The 8 strongest international reactions to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 is an event of crucial importance for Hungarians, as, during its thirteen days, the nation united as one force against the Soviet Communist regime. However, the neglected nation’s uprising has had its impact on the whole world.

Elvis Presley

There is an Elvis Presley square and park in Budapest (near the Buda-end of Margaret bridge) in honour of the late singer’s efforts to help Hungarians who suffered heavy losses during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Presley appeared on Ed Sullivan’s talk show on 28 October 1956, where the host and the singer both drew attention to the bloody revolution that was taking place in Budapest.

The ‘King of Rock and Roll’ asked American citizens to aid Hungarians in their hardship, eventually raising over 52 million dollars by the end of 1957.

Presley was even named an honorary citizen of Budapest in 2011.

Time Magazine

Time Magazine named the Hungarian Freedom Fighter the Man of the Year for 1956, featuring not a photo, but an artist’s depiction of three Hungarian freedom fighters. The article accompanying the photo tells the story of the three men.

Camus & Sartre

A strong reaction was invoked in the great French philosophers too – Albert Camus criticised the West’s lack of action when it came to intervening in the Hungarian-Soviet conflict in an essay entitled The Blood of the Hungarians. Jean-Paul Sartre expressed his disappointment and outrage regarding the Soviet measures in the article Le Fantôme de Staline.

Worldwide sports events

As to show their support of the Hungarian revolution and their dismay of the Soviet side,